HOPKINS DISMOUNTS; SE GYMANSTICS COACH RESIGNS

Bill Hopkins, who led the Southeast Missouri State gymnastics program to national prominence in his 18 years here, resigned Wednesday for undisclosed reasons.

Southeast athletic director Carroll Williams said Hopkins discussed the possibility of resigning Wednesday morning, then made it official that afternoon.

"He was in touch with me Wednesday morning," said Williams. "We talked about in the morning then he took the day to reflect on it, think about it and draft a letter."

It is unknown whether Hopkins has accepted another position elsewhere. Attempts to reach Hopkins were unsuccessful.

"To my knowledge he does not (have another job lined up)," said Williams. "He didn't say, but usually when someone is going to another position they tell you where they're going."

One of Southeast Missouri State's most successful coaches and promoters in his 18 years at the university, Hopkins may likely end up in an administrative post.

"Bill has expressed an interest in administration and athletic directorships and things of that nature," said Williams. "In fact, he was involved in athletic promotions (at Southeast). He indicated he may pursue some of those things, but I really don't know what he plans on doing."

Hopkins' successful fund raising and promotion for the gymnastics program earned him another position at Southeast in 1995. The athletic department named Hopkins coordinator of athletic promotions.

"As skilled as he is and as good as he has been at what he's done, he won't have any trouble finding what he wants," Williams said. "If he decides to make a change into athletic administration, I'm sure he'll be able to do something along that line."

Last summer, Hopkins was a finalist for an athletic director's position and has talked about getting out of coaching for some time.

"He made the comment to me that the stress and strain on his body physically was beginning to wear on him and he needs to maybe look at something else," said Williams. "He has to do a great deal of spotting and catching and moving and that's hard on the body."

Hopkins, who has 500 victories in his 26-year coaching career, compiled a 378-164-1 record at Southeast. This past year, the Otahkians were ranked 16th in the nation and earned a trip to the NCAA Regional Finals.

Hopkins was twice named Coach of the Year by the National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches and was named the USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year in 1991.

Williams is unsure which direction the university will go to find a replacement for Hopkins.

"It's been such a short notice, but I have a few thoughts in mind of what needs to happen," said Williams, mentioning the work of Hopkins' assistants Mark Sontag and Carrie Johnson.

"We've got a couple pretty competent people here and the programs is in pretty good shape," said Williams. "I might be leaning toward doing something with those coaches."

A search committee will be established soon to begin the process of finding a replacement. Hopkins has agreed to stay on until July 31 in order to complete the summer camps at the university.